Making Both Ends Meet The income and outlay of New York working girls   By: Edith Wyatt (1873-1958)

Making Both Ends Meet: The Income and Outlay of New York Working Girls by Edith Wyatt is a profound and eye-opening account of the struggles faced by young working women in New York City during the early 20th century.

Wyatt takes the reader on a journey through the lives of these girls, providing an intimate glimpse into the challenges they encounter in their pursuit of financial independence and stability. The author's meticulous research and firsthand interviews allow us to sympathize and empathize with the daily predicaments these young women face.

Through this book, Wyatt skillfully uncovers the stark reality of life for these working girls, who strive to make ends meet with limited resources. She sheds light on the low wages, long working hours, and exploitative conditions that these women endure in various occupations. The book also sheds light on the constant struggle to balance the necessities of life, such as rent, food, and clothing, against the meager incomes they earn.

One of the remarkable strengths of this book is its rich and vivid descriptions, making it easy for readers to visualize the surroundings and hardships faced by these working girls. Wyatt doesn't shy away from presenting the harsh realities and the heartbreaking choices that many of them are forced to make. From sacrificing meals to sharing cramped living quarters, these young women are constantly reminded of the precariousness of their financial situation.

Moreover, Wyatt delves into the societal expectations and pressures that compound the difficulties faced by these working girls. The author succinctly highlights the double standards and pervasive sexism that perpetuate their struggle for economic independence. By exposing the prejudices and challenges faced by these women, Wyatt invites readers to reevaluate their own biases and preconceptions.

While Making Both Ends Meet excels in its portrayal of the working girls' lives, there are moments where the narrative could use a more structured approach. The book occasionally meanders between personal anecdotes and broader societal commentary, which may leave readers craving a more cohesive flow. Nevertheless, the author's commitment to ensuring the voices of these young women are heard and understood is unwavering, making it easy to overlook these minor shortcomings.

In conclusion, Making Both Ends Meet: The Income and Outlay of New York Working Girls is an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by young women in the early 20th century. Edith Wyatt's compelling narrative and empathetic approach make this book a significant contribution to the understanding of gender, labor, and economic history. This poignant work challenges us to examine the social and economic inequalities that persist in contemporary society and serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of these working girls.

First Page:

The League's inquiry was initiated because, three years ago in the study of the establishment of a minimum wage, only very little information was obtainable as to the relation between the income and the outlay of self supporting women workers. The inquiry was conducted for a year and a half by Mrs. Sue Ainslie Clark, who obtained the workers' budgets as they were available from young women interviewed in their rooms, boarding places, and hotels, and at night schools and clubs. After Mrs. Clark had collected and written these accounts, I supplemented them further in the same manner; and rearranged them in a series of articles for Mr. S.S. McClure. The budgets fell naturally into certain industrial divisions; but, as will be seen from the nature of the inquiry, the records were not exhaustive trade studies of the several trades in which the workers were engaged... Continue reading book >>